Southern Cross Kayaking
Our connection to the waterways and country where we conduct our tours is genuine and from that we have created fun, informative and memorable paddling experiences in Sydney, Berowra, Rylstone and beyond. Established in 2011, Southern Cross Kayaking is a reputable and respected ecotourism business offering guided kayak tours in many locations in NSW and kayak and SUP hire at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp in the Wollemi National Park NSW.
By combining our interests, our skills and our qualifications into Southern Cross Kayaking, we have created a safe, positive and enjoyable outdoor ecotourism experience for people of all ages.
We have paddled in many waterways around the world and have given a great deal of thought as to where we conduct our kayak tours, choosing waterways that are less busy, in areas of natural and historical significance and offer a safe setting.
We use quality equipment, current techniques and best practices in guiding and teaching procedures. We also contribute towards conservation, building environmental and cultural awareness and respect, and promoting responsible travel in our areas of operation. All of course whilst having a lot of fun.
At Southern Cross Kayaking, we believe that kayaking is not only a wonderful activity, but that it also provides people with access to many beautiful natural areas and waterways, normally unreachable by land. This heightened experience, immerses our customers into the natural, cultural, and historical aspects of our tour locations and often unconsciously encourages them to assist in aiding in their conservation.
We strive to conduct an ecologically sustainable ecotourism operation, avoiding negative impacts on the environment in all aspects of our business. This is clearly demonstrated by our operation at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, where our 'pop up' base operates completely off the grid, using renewable energy to power communications, refrigeration, showers and lighting. At the end of the season, we depart only leaving a piece of our heart behind and nothing else.
Although Southern Cross Kayaking is licenced to operate all over New South Wales, we find we are drawn to the Wollemi National Park where we spend most of our season undertaking guided tours and tuition at the amazing Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp, only 3.5 hours out of Sydney near Rylstone (part of the renowned Mudgee Region).
We operate at Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp daily during the (NSW) school holidays and on weekends between the holidays from September to April. Check here for this seasons dates at Ganguddy or contact us to arrange a tour elsewhere at other times.
Southern Cross Kayaking Tours are a great way to enjoy special and memorable time with family, friends or work colleagues. Our kayaking tours make the perfect gift, shared experience and team building activity as well. If you are ready to explore, escape and experience the magic of a kayak tour, please contact us.
Kayak Tours, Tuition or Hire make for a fun and memorable experience. Contact us today to arrange for a voucher for the perfect gift, shared experience or team building activity.
Tours start from $85 per person and our kayak and stand-up paddle board (SUP) hire starts from $30.
Your Guides
Since 2011, our rewarding and privileged profession has allowed us to live, work and play on some of the most beautiful waterways in the world. We see our role as tour guides, instructors and in many ways protectors of the beautiful natural heritage and watercourses that we are fortunate to be able to enjoy and share with our customers.
As passionate kayakers ourselves we paddle for our own recreation whenever possible and never cease to marvel at the fantastic waterways available throughout New South Wales and indeed Australia. Our personal paddling adventures have taken us to waterways in most states of Australia as well as Europe, New Zealand and Vanuatu, Indonesia and the Greek Islands.
John and Cindy, owners of Southern Cross Kayaking and your tour guides are qualified by Paddle Australia, the peak National Industry body. Qualification requires extensive training and assessment and is followed up and reassessed on a regular basis. To maintain qualifications, Cindy and John must have current experience, keep updated on current techniques and industry best practice and hold current first aid qualifications.
John & Cindy
My passion (John) for paddling and everything water began in early childhood. Over the years, I’ve paddled everything from inflatable kayaks (in swimming pools), surf skis, canoes, whitewater kayaks and sea kayaks. I love sailing vessels of all kinds and I have also sailed 'Sabots', cruising yachts and even undertaken international yacht delivery.
Since 1997, I have held kayak/canoe instructor qualifications with the governing body, Paddle Australia and I hold the following qualifications:
- Flatwater Instructor Kayak and Canoe
- Sea Kayak Level 2 Instructor
- Whitewater Guide
I also hold a Certificate IV Qualification in Tourism: Tour Directing, Managing and Guiding.
My experience includes leading on-water instruction and tours in a variety of roles and situations, including regular instruction for canoe club members, guiding tour groups in commercial operations, guiding school groups in flat and whitewater environments, facilitation of Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme expeditions and instruction and assessment of Sport and Recreation Staff.
In 2004, we undertook a seven-month odyssey which included a paddle of 2,200 kms across 8 countries on the Danube River, in addition to paddling in Gibraltar, The Netherlands, and Malaysia.
After that amazing trip, I, (Cindy) undertook instructor training, qualifying in 2007 with Paddle Australia (formerly Australian Canoeing) as a:
- Flat water Instructor Kayak and Canoe
Since 2007, I have also been involved in on-water instruction and tour leading in a variety of roles, including regular instruction for canoe club members, guiding tour groups in commercial operations, guiding school groups in flat and whitewater environments, and instruction/assessment of Sport and Recreation Staff.
